One Month Later. Skylar's POV
It's November, a month after the trial and my suicide attempt. The weather has really put a damper on my mood. Not long after that first week without cutting, I relapsed. That really made me feel worse, the disappointment and shame seeming to omit any hope I had of getting better. Olivia assured me that relapsing is a part of recovery, and to not let it bring me down. I look forward to hanging out with her, and even though I haven't been that fun to be around, she still accepts me despite my gloomy mood.
I am no longer hanging out with the people I used to call my friends. I didn't just all of a sudden start ignoring them, but I messaged Raven. She's the one I was closest to, and I just let her know that I need space, and that I hope them all the best. I care about them, and I hope and pray that they will find healing and learn new ways to cope with their struggles.
I have a new friend, Taylor, that I met a couple of weeks ago. We're in biology together and we were grouped together to work on a project. She is really nice, and she loves to read. I had never been much of a reader, but we were in the library one day when she returned a book and I started skimming the bookshelves. I found a romance novel that caught my interest and checked it out. It's great and I find myself reading when I'm upset. It's a much healthier outlet than self-harm. It doesn't take away the emotional pain I'm feeling, though. Olivia has suggested that I talk to the school counselor, but I haven't yet. I hope to work up the courage soon, though.
Laura says that she has found a place for me to stay, and that I should be able to move there any day. I've tried asking who the family is but she just says that I'll love it there. I have my doubts but I guess we'll see, huh?
Olivia's POV
After a month of spending more time with Skylar and continuing to form a relationship with her, I've decided to go ahead with the process of adopting her. I have a motherly love for Skylar, wanting the very best for her and feeling a sense of protection over her. Even though I have started the adoption process, Skylar still needs a place to stay, so Laura has agreed to letting her move in with me. We've done the mandatory background checks and things of that sort, and tomorrow is the day we will surprise her. I'm looking forward to seeing the look on her face when she finds out that she will have a place to call home, and someone to love and care for her.
Skylar's POV
Today is Thursday and Laura is able to pick me up after school. I get in her car and she smiles at me.
"How was your day?" She asks.
"Decent. I made an A on my American History test, so I have that going for me." I say with a smile.
"That's great. I have good news for you."
My heart leaps. "Really? Am I able to move into a new home?" Laura nods. I pump a fist in the air but my smile quickly turns into a frown. "Are you sure it's safe there?" I ask, remembering living with Tom and Suzanna. Laura smiles warmly.
"It is. We've done all the mandatory background checks and interviews, and it's a wonderful home." I wonder why Laura doesn't mention the couple who I'm going to be staying with or why she doesn't give me any facts. We arrive at her office and I pack up all of my things, ready to leave. On the way to the place where I will be staying I stay quiet, different thoughts and scenarios running through my mind. Is the mom sweet, caring? Will she treat me with love? What about the dad? Is he kind and does he treat young girls like me with respect? We arrive at the apartment complex and when we reach the door to the home of the new family I will be staying with, I take a deep breath. Laura knocks on the door and a moment later the it opens. I gasp when I see the one who has opened the door, a lump forming in my throat. Surely this is a dream.